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Climate change

Southern Water Unveils Plan to Secure Water Resources for the Future

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Southern Water has launched its Final Draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP24), outlining the company's strategy to deliver reliable water services while protecting the environment, particularly Hampshire's chalk streams. The plan aims to address the increasing demand for water in the South East, driven by climate change, population growth, and planned reductions in abstractions. According to the plan, there is a current shortfall of around 166 million litres of water a day in Hampshire during a severe drought.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Final Draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP24) outlines Southern Water's strategy to deliver reliable water services while protecting the environment, including Hampshire's chalk streams.
  • The plan proposes a combination of improving water efficiency, reducing leakage, and new water sources to address the growing demand for water in the South East.
  • The Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project would purify treated wastewater for storage in the Havant Thicket Reservoir.
  • The plan aims to address a current shortfall of around 166 million litres of water a day in Hampshire during a severe drought.
  • Government approval of the plan is expected in autumn 2025.
  • The plan addresses the impact of climate change, population growth, and planned reductions in abstractions on water demand.
  • Southern Water hopes to give communities confidence in how it will keep taps and rivers flowing for generations to come.
  • The plan is focused on protecting rare and sensitive habitats by limiting water abstraction from chalk stream rivers and underground aquifers.

Statistics:

  • 166 million litres: The current shortfall of water a day in Hampshire during a severe drought.
  • 2025: Expected year for government approval of the plan.
  • The plan proposes a combination of improving water efficiency, reducing leakage, and new water sources to address the growing demand for water in the South East.

Sources:

  • Southern Water
  • Mellor, K. (2024, May 30). Southern Water's new plan to secure water resources for the future. The News.
  • Southern Water's Final Draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP24)

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